We all know that Michael Phelps is an amazing athlete, but
according to the
Washington Post, he's tied an Olympic record that's stood for
over 2,000 years.

According to the Post, Leonidas of Rhodes, who competed in the
Ancient Olympics, holds the record with 12
individual Olympic titles. Phelps of course has 25
total Olympic medals, including a record 21 Olympic gold medals,
but only 12 of those 21 have come from individual events, whereas
the others came from relays.

Leonidas of Rhodes won gold medals in three events, in four
straight Olympiads, which historians consider to be the all-time
record.

According to historians, Leonidas of Rhodes was the closest thing
to an Olympic god, winning his last three gold medals at the age
of 36. He competed in the stadion (a track event similar to the
200-meter sprint), the diaulos (described as twice as long as the
stadion, or about 400 meters), and the hoplite. The hoplite
apparently was the most unique, and just sounds plain cool.

The Post describes the hoplite race as such: "The
hoplitodromos — also called the hoplite race — might be the most
intriguing. Runners competing in the ancient race were required
to wear a helmet, leg armor and carry a shield. With 50 pounds of
added weight, it was a test of strength as much as speed or
endurance."

However, times have changed. Phelps already broke the
modern record in London, held by Ray Ewry, who competed in the
1900, '04, and '08 Olympic Games. And now, he's about to break
the all-time record.